Study Of Baha’i Religion In Iran During The Qajar Dynasty

The birth of Baha’i faith is the result of the political,economic,ideological and cultural changes in Iran in the middle and late Qajar Dynasty.In the early 19 th century,under the impact of Western civilization,Iran’s social outlook began to change.The traditional economy gradually disintegrated and the new intellectual class woke up.They advocated reform to save the national crisis.In addition,with the Renaissance of the millennium,people are eager for the coming of Mahdi,the Savior,to overthrow the existing unreasonable order and build an ideal society.In the context of economic,political and ideological changes,Bahaullah founded Baha’i faith.The Baha’i faith came from the Babism sect,Which experienced three stages.First,the internal division of Babism is the starting point of the change of Bahai faith.Secondly,the reform of Babism sect by Bahaullah means that it has taken a key step in its transformation.Third,the emergence of Baha’i in 1863 marked the completion of the transformation.The development of Baha’i faith in Iran’s Qajar Dynasty is manifested in two aspects.First,the Bahai doctrine was initially formed on the basis of inheriting and developing the Babism sect.Secondly,with the establishment of Baha’i community(the carrier of Baha’i faith development)in Iran,its management system has been continuously improved,the community has attracted people from all walks of life,and social activities have been gradually active.Baha’is actively spread western culture in Iranian society and promoted the development of modern education in Iran.There are two factors that influence the development of Baha’i faith in the Qajar Dynasty of Iran.On the one hand,Baha’i adheres to a moderate political position.On the other hand,Baha’i faith,as a new religion,came into being in the process of Iran’s modernization.Its reform thought was recognized by some social elites.They sheltered Baha’i believers.These are the important reasons why Baha’i faith can survive in the Qajar Dynasty.There are two adverse factors affecting its development.On the one hand,the Bahai doctrine denies the supremacy and irreplaceable of theKoran,the Prophet Muhammad and even Islam,criticizes the political demands of the Shiite Ulama,and thus is hostile to the Shiite Ulama.On the other hand,Islamic Shia is the source and symbol of the legitimacy of the regime of Iran’s Kaga Dynasty.The king relies heavily on the support of the Shia Ulama,so he is consistent with Ulama in his attitude towards Baha’i Faith.